How Wall Street Became Your Landlord: The Rise and Controversy of Invitation Homes
In this episode of pplpod, we examine the history and business model of Invitation Homes, the largest owner of single-family rental homes in the United States. We discuss how the company was formed in...
10 Feb 34min
The Blackstone Empire: From a $400k Startup to the World’s Largest Landlord
In this episode, we dive into the history and massive footprint of Blackstone Inc., the American alternative investment giant. We trace the firm’s origins back to 1985, when founders Peter Peterson an...
10 Feb 36min
Blackstone Owns Your Home and DNA
Founded in 1985, Blackstone Inc. is the world’s largest alternative investment firm, managing over $1.1 trillion. It specializes in private equity, real estate, and hedge funds. Despite its massive gr...
10 Feb 18min
Stephen Schwarzman: The Blackstone Billionaire’s "War" for Wealth and Influence
In this episode of pplpod, we profile Stephen A. Schwarzman, the co-founder and CEO of Blackstone Inc., who built a financial empire managing over $1.1 trillion in assets. We explore Schwarzman’s rise...
10 Feb 35min
Sam Zell: The Life of a Real Estate Pioneer
In this episode of pplpod, we profile Sam Zell (1941–2023), the sharp-tongued Chicago billionaire who made his fortune resurrecting distressed properties. Born to Jewish parents who fled the Nazi inva...
10 Feb 34min
Robert Moses: The Unelected "Master Builder" Who Carved Up New York
In this episode of pplpod, we explore the colossal and complicated legacy of Robert Moses, the urban planner who became one of the most influential figures in New York history without ever being elect...
10 Feb 40min
Assembly Line Dreams: The Rise of Levittown and the Fight for Integration
In this episode, we examine the creation of Levittown, the massive suburban developments that transformed post-WWII America. We discuss how William J. Levitt and his company revolutionized housing by ...
10 Feb 31min
Built from Scratch: The Global History of Master-Planned Cities
Have you ever visited a city that felt too organized to be accidental? In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the fascinating history of planned communities—settlements carefully designed from their ...
10 Feb 28min
